Tuesday, 8 December 2009<\/p>\n
Posted to: Visitorials: We Love South Africa<\/a>, Western Cape<\/a><\/p>\n Hi, I\u2019m Chris von Ulmenstein from Whale Cottage Camps Bay<\/a> in Camps Bay<\/a>, Cape Town.<\/p>\n CAMPS BAY IS BEST KNOWN FOR<\/span> its beautiful beach, having been awarded the Best Beach in South Africa<\/a> accolade by the Sunday Times.\u00a0It is also known for its beautiful sea views, with the palms on the beachfront,\u00a0for its dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, and its nightlife, with an exciting mix of restaurants, bars and coffee shops.<\/p>\n GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT<\/span> the beach in Camps Bay, near the volleyballers \u2013 who knows, David Hasselhoff in his tiny red bathing costume may be one of the players.\u00a0The Twelve Apostles, or the Bay Hotel, may form the backdrop to your pics. WHEN THE WEATHER\u2019S GOOD, I LIKE TO<\/span> be on the beach, or at one of the restaurants in Camps Bay. MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS<\/span> Caf\u00e9 Caprice. MY FAVOURITE<\/span> d\u00e9cor SHOP IS<\/span> Ebony, which has just opened a branch in Camps Bay. CAMPS BAY\u2019S BEST KEPT SECRET IS<\/span> Codfather \u2013 it does not have a scenic view, but its good seafood selection and excellent service makes it hugely popular.<\/p>\n TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO<\/span> go to the Twelve Apostles Hotel spa, which wins awards regularly.\u00a0It is far away from traffic and the hectic pace of life. TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS<\/span> enjoying a picnic or pizzas on the beach.<\/p>\n BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS<\/span> at Col\u2019cacchio, where a Margarita pizza costs R42, and they are yummy. Nando\u2019s is popular as a value for money spot for teenagers. THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS<\/span> the cloud cover tumbling over the Twelve Apostles when the southeaster blows.<\/p>\n I \u2665 CAMPS BAY BECAUSE<\/span> it is so beautiful and tranquil, and so close to the city. Camps Bay: Beauty and the Beach!<\/p>\n Whale Cottage Camps Bay has a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean, is cradled by the Twelve Apostles, and offers a side view of Table Mountain. Just 500 meters from the Camps Bay beach and restaurants, Whale Cottage Camps Bay is decorated in the distinctive Whale Cottage marine d\u00e9cor. Relax at our pool, in our lounge, or enjoy a drink and the delectable sea view from our terrace.<\/p>\n Visit Whale Cottage Camps Bay<\/a> Caf\u00e9 Caprice +27 (0)21 438 8315
\nTHE BEST <\/span>view PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN FROM<\/span> the Twelve Apostles Hotel, with Lion\u2019s Head in the background.
\nOTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN AT<\/span> Caprice or at Vida e Caffe, where you might be lucky enough to see @2oceansvibe\u2019s Seth Rothertham, rugby hero Schalk Burger, or visiting VIPs hanging around.<\/p>\n
\nWHEN THE WEATHER\u2019S BAD, I LIKE TO<\/span> hide away, especially when the southeaster wind blows in summer.
\nI THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS<\/span> all year round, because even in winter, you can swim in the sea \u2013 surprisingly the ocean is warmer in winter than is summer, as the northwesterly winds push warmer surface waters to the beach.\u00a0In summer the southeaster blows the warmer water out to sea.<\/p>\n
\nFOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST<\/span> The Kove, sitting outside on the pavement, looking onto the beach, and ogling the passers-by.\u00a0Their steaks are excellent.
\nMY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS<\/span> The Grand Cafe, try the crayfish, and the avocado and prawn cocktail.
\nBEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM<\/span> Col\u2019cacchio, who make surprisingly good pizzas, even delivering them to the beach during the day.
\nFOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY<\/span> The Theatre on the Bay, where there is always good theatre on show.
\nIF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO<\/span> Caf\u00e9 Caprice and La Med, especially on a Sunday evening \u2013 you cannot believe how these two hotspots buzz.\u00a0Goldfish, one of South Africa\u2019s best bands, plays at La Med every Sunday evening in summer.\u00a0Book your tickets beforehand at www.webtickets.co.za, as you might have to queue the whole evening just to get in.\u00a0The food is not great at La Med, but the beer is in good supply!<\/p>\n
\nMY FAVOURITE<\/span> whale-watching SPOT IS<\/span> from our guest house.\u00a0Our guests are delighted when they spot the whales or even dolphins.<\/p>\n
\nIF YOU\u2019RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY<\/span> skydiving from Lion\u2019s Head, or climbing up Table Mountain from Camps Bay, but do have a hiker\u2019s map and water with you.
\nMY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS<\/span> along Victoria Road, driving from Camps Bay to Hout Bay along the ocean and the unspoilt natural fynbos, and smelling the sea.
\nMY FAVOURITE<\/span> people-WATCHING SPOT IS<\/span> Caf\u00e9 Caprice.<\/p>\n
\nWHEN MONEY\u2019S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO<\/span> to eat crayfish at The Grand, and have some bubbly!<\/p>\nWhale Cottage Camps Bay<\/h4>\n
\nMake a Booking<\/a><\/p>\nDesirable Digits<\/h4>\n
\nCodfather +27 (0)21 438 0782
\nCol\u2019Cacchio Pizzeria +27 (0)21 438 2171
\nThe Grand Caf\u00e9 +27 (0)21 438 4253
\nThe Kove +27 (0)21 438 0004
\nLa Med +27 (0)21 438 5600
\nNando\u2019s +27 (0)21 438 1915
\nSanctuary Spa at The Twelve Apostles +27 (0)21 437 0677
\nTheatre on the Bay +27 (0)21 438 3301
\nVida e Caff\u00e8 +27 (0)21 424 5829
\nWhale Cottage Camps Bay +27 (0)21 438 3840<\/p>\n